How should money tree be cared for and what soil mix should be used to make it sprout more side shoots?

The money tree (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a very ornamental succulent plant. From its appearance alone, you can see what “bringing in wealth and treasure” and “rising step by step” mean. It is deeply favored by succulent lovers. So how should the money tree be grown to make it sprout more side shoots? What soil is better to use?

1. What soil is better for growing the money tree?

1. How is potting soil for the money tree prepared?

Although the money tree is not particularly strict about soil requirements and can also grow in generally fertile soil, if you want the money tree to grow lushly, it is best to prepare a special potting soil.

There are 2 major principles for preparing potting soil:

(1) Good drainage and air permeability

(2) The soil is weakly acidic

Reference for preparing potting soil:

Specifically, you can refer to mixing peat, coarse sand, perlite, furnace slag, and a small amount of garden soil, then applying some slow-release fertilizer.

2. When should the money tree have its potting soil changed?

Usually, after growing the money tree for about 2 years, a repotting operation can be carried out once. The repotting time is mostly chosen in late spring and early summer, and the soil needs to be reconfigured. After repotting, yellow leaves are prone to appear, and it can gradually recover in about 1 week. When repotting, in order to increase the permeability of the soil, a layer of gravel can be spread on both the bottom and the surface of the flower pot.

In addition, if root rot or root diseases occur during the cultivation of the money tree, it is best to also carry out repotting.

2. How should the money tree be grown to make it sprout more side shoots?

In addition to controlling the soil preparation well, if you want the money tree to sprout more side shoots, you also need to do the following care work well.

1. Temperature control

The money tree is a succulent that relatively prefers warmth, so for care temperature it is recommended to keep it between 20-30°C. If it is winter and there is no greenhouse, at least ensure it stays above 10°C, otherwise both the roots and leaves of the money tree will suffer cold damage. If growing it indoors, you can turn on the heating or place the money tree relatively close to a fire source.

2. Watering control

When watering the money tree, follow the principle of “do not water until dry”, that is, wait until the soil is dry before watering, and water thoroughly. When watering, be careful not to pour water onto the leaves and stems of the money tree.

In addition, in areas where the winter temperature is relatively low, watering should be reduced, and the soil needs to be kept dry.

3. Light control

Unlike other succulent plants, the money tree does not have special light requirements and can grow healthily as long as it is not placed in a dark location for a long time. However, considering that you want it to sprout side shoots, it is still recommended to give the money tree sufficient indirect light while avoiding direct sunlight, generally with about 3 hours of sunlight exposure per day as suitable.

4. Fertilizer control

The money tree can also be appropriately fertilized, with cake fertilizer and multi-element slow-release compound fertilizer being preferable, but it is best not to fertilize in winter, as it is easy to damage the roots.